The Tech Trek

In this podcast episode, Michel Tricot, CEO and Co-founder of Airbyte, discusses the nuances of startup culture, including the importance of company values, the difference between startup and corporate cultures, and strategies for hiring people who align with those values. Tricot shares insights on Airbyte’s approach to data movement, the company’s growth, and how they maintain and evolve their company culture as they scale. The conversation also covers the critical aspect of dealing with risk and uncertainty in a startup environment, the significance of being a 'CEO of your project,' and the role of feedback and company values in guiding behavior and decision-making. Highlights 01:22 Diving into Startup Culture: Definitions and Distinctions 02:14 Evolving Company Values at Airbyte 03:43 The Hiring Process: Aligning with Company Values 07:08 Embracing Failure and Learning from It 08:41 Maintaining Culture and Values in a Growing Startup 11:45 Revisiting and Reinforcing Company Values Regularly 20:48 Advice for Startups on Establishing Company Values Michel Tricot is the co-founder and CEO of Airbyte, the leading open-source data integration platform that allows replicating data from any APIs, databases & files to data warehouses, data lakes, and any other destinations. Currently, the Airbyte user community is more than 18,000 members and Airbyte has been deployed more than 140,000 times. Airbyte has more than 350 data connectors available for its data integration platform. That is more than any other competitor or platform and accomplished in the company’s 3 years history. The company raised over $180M from Accel, Altimeter, Benchmark, Coatue, and Y Combinator. Prior to starting Airbyte, Michel was a founding member & Director of Engineering at rideOS, and Head of Integrations and Director of Engineering at LiveRamp. With Airbyte, Michel aims to solve one of engineers’ biggest problems with data: break down all data silos and make data accessible and available to everyone, everywhere. https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheltricot/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/airbytehq ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

This podcast episode features Karim Galil, CEO of Mendel AI, discussing the future of domain-specific AI, especially in the healthcare sector. Galil elaborates on how Mendel AI utilizes domain-specific AI to sift through clinical data more accurately and efficiently, providing previously unattainable insights. The conversation touches on the challenges generalized AI models face, especially those developed by large tech companies, emphasizing the importance of domain specificity in areas like healthcare, where precision is crucial. Additionally, the podcast explores the concept of narrow AI and its potential integration into broader AI systems, highlighting the importance of talent over data or models in developing effective AI solutions. The discussion also addresses adoption challenges within the healthcare industry, suggesting a strategic approach to introducing AI technologies to stakeholders, from technical users to clinicians. Finally, Galil shares his perspective on the impact of AI on user experience and the importance of distinguishing between fluency and true intelligence in AI models. Highlights: 01:51 Challenges of AI Models from Large Tech Firms 02:27 The Reality of AI Technology Today 03:08 The Problem with AI in Healthcare 04:00 Misconceptions about AI Fluency and Intelligence 05:31 The Future of AI: Narrow AI vs AGI 09:27 The Importance of Talent in AI Development 15:28 Adoption of AI in Healthcare 19:57 The Role of AI in Clinical Practice Karim Galil, MD, is co-founder and CEO of Mendel AI. Mendel’s mission is to make medicine objective by enabling the world’s largest index of patient journeys, leveraging AI that understands medicine like a physician. Dr. Galil’s experience as a physician demonstrated that medicine does not advance at the same rate as technology. With Mendel, he aims to bridge this gap, facilitate clinical research at scale, and make medicine truly objective.  Karim is an entrepreneur by spirit; his first company, Kryptonworx, led health tech in the MENA region with customers including Fortune 500 companies. ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

This episode features Loic Houssier, Senior VP of Engineering at Productboard, discussing the journey and challenges of transitioning from mid-level management to top-tier executive roles within an organization. It covers essential aspects such as the roles and responsibilities at different management levels, from manager to VP, and the crucial skills needed for advancement, including delegation, decision-making, and influencing across teams. Additionally, the talk delves into Productboard's mission and functionality, emphasizing its utility for product managers in streamlining customer feedback, prioritization, and integration with execution tools. The conversation also highlights personal growth strategies for managers aspiring to executive positions, the importance of external networking and mentorship, and recognizing the often overlooked emotional and strategic complexities of climbing the corporate ladder. Highlights: 03:52 The Journey Up the Management Ladder: Challenges and Skills 05:41 Understanding the Roles: From Manager to Senior Manager 08:22 The Leap to Director: Managing Managers and Budgets 10:28 Ascending to VP: A Shift in Perspective and Responsibilities 14:36 Navigating the Transition: From IC to Manager and Beyond 20:10 The Importance of Delegation and Decision-Making in Leadership 28:49 Expanding Your Network: The Key to Navigating Management Isolation As the Senior Vice President of Engineering at Productboard, Loic Houssier leads a global team of engineers building the leading product management platform for remote teams. He has over 18 years of experience in engineering leadership and executive management across various industries and regions. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/houssier/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Jay Nanduri, CTO and Co-founder of Truveta, shares his journey from spending over 20 years at Microsoft to founding a healthcare data company. Jay discusses the personal reasons behind his shift to healthcare, motivated by his family's struggles with cancer and the difficulties of transferring medical records. He also touches on the challenges of leaving a well-established company like Microsoft, the differences in working in a startup versus a large corporation, and the importance of purpose, trust, risk management, and financial planning in building a new company. Jay's story highlights the value of leveraging one's network, reputation, and experience in entrepreneurial ventures. Highlights: 00:10 The Genesis of Truveta: From Microsoft to Healthcare Innovation 03:22 Personal Motivations: A Family's Health Crisis Sparks a Vision 05:32 The Leap of Faith: Transitioning from Microsoft to Startup Life 10:42 The Startup Journey: Challenges, Insights, and the Drive for Purpose 20:47 Reflections and Advice: Navigating the Startup Ecosystem ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Mo Villagran, Associate Director of Insights, Analytics, and Data at Cambrex and author of 'Data Insights Delivered', shares her insights on managing stakeholder expectations and delivering expected value in data analytics. She explains Cambrex's role as a global CDMO in the pharmaceutical industry and highlights the importance of customer service in technical fields. Mo asserts that the core of managing stakeholder expectations and delivering value lies in simple, effective communication and starting with manageable, scalable solutions. She emphasizes showing progress in real-time to stakeholders, the significance of qualitative feedback over quantitative KPIs, and the importance of prioritizing projects that directly impact the company's financial performance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating new technologies and focusing on business outcomes over technological complexities. Highlights: 02:12 The Essence of Stakeholder Expectation Management 02:22 The Importance of Customer Service in Data Analytics 03:32 Balancing Technology and Business Outcomes 05:00 Defining and Delivering Value to Stakeholders 08:39 The Art of Negotiation and Setting Expectations 10:53 Choosing Simplicity Over Complexity in Solutions 17:38 Demonstrating Progress and Value in Real-Time 21:47 Measuring Success Beyond Quantitative Metrics Mo Villagran is a data concierge, an experienced business analytics veteran, is well-versed in data analytics and healthcare across sectors, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, fraud detection, insurance pricing, etc. In her current role, Mo established Cambrex's first business analytics program and now leads global cross-functional teams to deliver automated visualization and AI-enabled automation processes, providing actionable insights. Her goal is to deliver a world-class stakeholder experience in data analytics. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-villagran/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

This podcast episode features Gregg Altschul, the Vice President of Technology at FanDuel. The discussion focuses on aligning personal, team, and company goals to reduce conflicts, enhance goal setting, and improve transparency across the board. Altschul shares insights on FanDuel's business operations, including its role as a leading online sportsbook and its iGaming division. He explains the top-down process of setting goals at FanDuel, highlighting the importance of ensuring that individual and team objectives support overarching company goals. Altschul discusses how he manages goal alignment within his organization, emphasizing the significance of transparency, understanding employees' personal growth goals, and the role of succession planning. He also touches on fostering a culture that supports employees' long-term career aspirations, even if those plans include leaving the company. The conversation delves into the importance of having a 'North Star'—a long-term goal or vision—to guide one's career development and the necessity of open communication between managers and their teams to achieve effective goal alignment. Highlights 01:12 The Importance of Goal Alignment 02:18 The Process of Setting Goals 03:38 Translating Goals to Different Levels 04:55 Maintaining Transparency in Goal Setting 06:50 Balancing Personal and Company Goals 09:11 Creating a Safe Space for Open Discussions 09:27 The Role of Trust in Goal Setting 11:14 The Shift in Employee Retention Perspective 17:37 The Importance of Long-Term Growth Goals 20:23 The Role of North Star Goals in Career Development ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Otkrist Gupta, VP of Research and Development at LendBuzz, talks about the process he utilizes to evaluate machine learning (ML) models and handle the ever-changing landscape of ML with his team. He also highlights the core role of ML in the creation of LendBuzz’s proprietary financial scoring model to assist individuals often underserved in the lending market and explains how continued innovation via in-house development of models has maintained the company's competitive advantage. Gupta provides insights into various projects his R&D team has worked on, from financial to computer vision models, and discusses the balance of research, development, and product delivery. He underscores the importance of having well-defined metrics, continuous model improvement, and keeping current with technology trends. Although not directly involved in measuring particular models' profit and loss impacts, Gupta notes that all team members indirectly contribute to the company’s overall performance. Highlights: 01:50 Understanding the Lendbuzz Business Model 03:37 Exploring the Role of Research and Development in Fintech 07:35 The Intersection of Machine Learning and Product Development 13:35 The Process of Building and Evaluating ML Models 19:49 The Impact of Machine Learning on Competitive Advantage 23:20 The Relationship Between Machine Learning and Profit & Loss ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Barb Wixom, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan's Center for IS Research. They discuss the concept of data monetization, touching on its various aspects, such as the three ways to monetize data, the capabilities needed, governance, and potential challenges with advanced technologies. Wixom emphasizes the importance of understanding an organization's data assets, focusing on quality rather than quantity, and the journey toward improving, wrapping, and selling data. She also talks about her recent book, which packages everything essential to know to succeed with data monetization. Highlights 00:13 Understanding Data Monetization 01:05 The Role of Research in Data Monetization 01:55 The Evolution of Data Monetization 03:23 The Importance of Language in Data Monetization 05:49 The Three Ways to Monetize Data 06:23 The Challenges of Data Monetization 12:32 The Role of Data Assets in Monetization 16:51 The Journey of Data Monetization 31:57 The Future of Data Monetization Guest: Since 1994, Barbara Wixom’s research has explored how organizations generate business value from data assets. Her methods include large-scale surveys, meta-analyses, lab experiments and in-depth case studies; five of her cases have placed in the Society for Information Management Paper Awards competition. Wixom is a leading academic scholar, who regularly presents her work to academic and business audiences around the world. Wixom joined MIT Sloan in June 2013 to serve as a Principal Research Scientist at the Center for Information Systems Research (CISR). She leads the MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board, comprised of one hundred data and analytics executives from CISR organizations. Wixom authored her new book Data is Everybody’s Business (MIT Press, September 2023) to inspire workers across organizations to monetize data. She actively works to encourage women, young people, and underrepresented populations to learn about data and pursue data-related careers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-wixom-0976983/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Naomi Yudanin, the Director of Medical Data at Munich Re, discusses the relevance of domain-specific data science expertise. She shares her journey, starting in biochemistry and molecular biology, transitioning into systems immunology, and eventually ending up in medical data and EHR product management. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the objective of generating insights from data and how clear business objectives and proper questions drive successful data analysis in healthcare. Beyond the typical technical questions, Naomi encourages stakeholders to think about the stories they want to tell with their data. She links them to the business value to derive actionable insights. She also touches on the perception of data quality in the healthcare industry and how the interpretation of analytics can result in different business outcomes. Highlights 01:42 Understanding the Role of Domain-Specific Knowledge in Data Science 03:33 The Value of Domain Expertise in Data Science 04:24 Challenges and Advantages of Having a Non-Technical Background 07:30 The Importance of Understanding the Data and its Relevance 10:14 The Gap between Business Outcomes and Technical Delivery 16:27 The Role of Data in Achieving Business Outcomes 19:29 The Importance of Telling the Right Story with Data Dr. Naomi Yudanin is currently the Director of Medical Data at Munich Re, a leading global provider of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk solutions. Throughout her career, Naomi has integrated healthcare domain expertise with machine learning approaches to derive clinically relevant insights and provide actionable guidance for health product development and care delivery. Prior to joining Munich Re, Dr. Yudanin led enterprise-wide AI/ML development in several health tech startups, most recently as the Chief Data Scientist at Nanowear. Naomi obtained a PhD in Systems Immunology at Columbia University, where she received the Parker Graduate Award for innovative research, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in computational genomics at Weill Cornell. The results of her research comprise multiple publications in high-impact journals, including Cell, Science, and Nature. Since transitioning to industry, Naomi has been awarded over $2 million in grants and co-authored two patents for AI/ML applications in healthcare. She continues to serve on the NIH study section for translational AI and as an advisor on several SBIR awards and regulatory committees focused on digital health. ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

The podcast features Suresh Martha, Head of Data-Driven Innovation and Analytics at EMD Serono, discussing extending technical impact, particularly in AI and Machine Learning. He gives insights into managing technological advances within a team, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently, and delivering capabilities to stakeholders. Martha also elaborates on the challenges of upskilling oneself to understand better and manage new technologies. Further, he explains strategies to evaluate new tools and technologies and ways to upscale resources and highlights the careful balance between exploration and delivery. Strategies to build roadmaps and adapt to emerging technologies and trends, such as generative AI, are also discussed alongside data security and privacy considerations. Highlights 01:03 Challenges of Leadership in Tech 01:54 Suresh's Role and Responsibilities at EMD Serono 03:25 Approach to New Technologies and Upskilling 05:37 Hiring for New Skills and Roles 11:04 Balancing Technical Skills and Leadership 17:22 Building a Roadmap for Data-Driven Innovation 17:45 Exploring Generative AI and Future Plans Guest: Suresh Martha is the Head of Data Driven Innovations & Analytics at EMD Serono (US), the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, in Darmstadt, Germany. He is a renowned information technology professional with over 18 years of experience in data warehousing and business intelligence (BI). He is a highly skilled, passionate professional with a proven track record of delivering sophisticated reporting and analytical solutions to stakeholders. He is a senior Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) member. He has participated as a judge for the Stevie Awards, the Globee Awards, the Smart India Hackathon 2022, and the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards. He is a co-mentor for small business owners at SCORE, acts as a Journal Peer Reviewer, and is a renowned speaker.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/suresh-martha-85209629/ ----Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Amir interviews John O'Toole, the Senior Director of Data Analytics at Tendo, a software-first company specializing in improving patient care journey. They discuss how Tendo uses data and analytics to improve patient care, help hospitals improve their rankings, and decrease the burden on healthcare providers. Integrating AI as a tool of assistance rather than a replacement in the healthcare industry is emphasized. John also highlights how Tendo creates a centralized, standardized patient data system to ease patient and provider processes. He sees future developments where patient-centric services become increasingly integrated and efficient. Highlights: 02:01 The Impact of Data on Patient Care 03:26 Innovative Approaches to Patient Care 04:26 The Challenges and Opportunities of Data in Healthcare 05:15 The Process of Evaluating and Utilizing Data 06:56 The Importance of Partnership in Data Analysis 16:28 The Future of AI in Healthcare 22:20 The Role of Tendo in Streamlining Patient Information Guest: John O'Toole is a healthcare industry expert with over 15 years of experience. Throughout his career, John has worked in various clinical areas, with the last eight years focused on Analytics. His data analysis, management skills, and expertise have led him to successfully manage enterprise analytics teams in the healthcare provider space. John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts degree in Health Systems Management from Rush University. In July 2023, John accepted a position as Senior Director of Analytics at Tendo, a health tech startup. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jotoole1/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand talks to Will Ross, the CEO and co-founder of Federato, about how insurance companies are adopting AI. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on the insurance industry, particularly in underwriting. Ross underscores the significant role of underwriters in influencing both the top and bottom lines of growth in insurance companies. He then explains how Federato leverages AI technologies to help underwriters optimize their process. The conversation also delves into the future of AI, the evolving definition of AI, and the importance of understanding its potential applications beyond popular mainstream concepts like ChatGPT. Ross shares real-life examples of how AI can substantially enhance efficiency in the insurance industry, such as 'win ability' modeling. Ultimately, he envisions AI as bolstering human capabilities in the insurance sector rather than replacing jobs. Highlights: 00:30 Understanding Federato and its Role in the Insurance Industry 02:41 The Evolution and Impact of AI in Various Industries 03:38 The AI Paradox and its Implications 05:19 The Role of AI in Insurance 06:20 Understanding the Perception and Application of AI in Different Industries 10:48 The Role of AI in Optimizing Business Processes 18:49 The Future of AI in Job Roles and Industries Co-Founder & CEO at Federato ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Jason Ash, Chief of Data at Symetra, joins the podcast to discuss the transformation happening within the insurance industry. He highlights the dynamic relationship between business and technology and the importance of stakeholders in rolling out solutions. Jason also delves into the non-technical side of the insurance business and how it contributes to overall success. This conversation transcends the industry and offers insights that can be applied to other sectors.  Highlights: [00:02:20] Technology adoption in business. [00:04:56] Bridging business and technology. [00:08:08] Importance of diverse perspectives. [00:10:49] Rolling out insurance products. [00:13:41] Thinking about data early. [00:19:29] Broader participation in data. [00:19:56] Collaborative approach to problem-solving. [00:22:20] Onboarding new team members. [00:24:31] Stakeholder expectations and data delivery. [00:26:22] Building foundational infrastructure. [00:31:02] Insurance and healthcare battle. [00:34:29] Advancing career paths for team. ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Vineeth Loganathan, the Director of Machine Learning at ViralGains, discusses building a successful data program. He explores the importance of a clear vision and steps in delivering value through data. Vineeth also explains the concept of zero-party data and how it can be used for targeted marketing. Tune in to gain insights on balancing short-term and long-term data needs and delivering value to customers. Highlights: [00:00:57] Zero-party data for ads. [00:06:00] Closing the loop on data. [00:07:20] Understanding stakeholder needs. [00:11:51-00:12:01] Defining metrics and understanding churn. [00:16:10] Delivering value with machine learning. [00:20:46] Research in machine learning. [00:22:03] NLP advancements and their impact. [00:26:10] Analyst in a box. [00:30:22] Prompt engineering and ML ops. [00:34:49] Formulating strategies in ML. Vineeth Loganathan leads Machine Learning and Data Science at ViralGains, an ad-tech company based in Boston. His team's charter is to leverage the power of machine learning to deliver an audience-driven marketing strategy for brands that optimize outcomes across the customer decision journey. He has 15+ years of experience leading data science teams across Disney, Amazon, Microsoft, and Airbnb. Connect: https://twitter.com/VineethLogan https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineeth-loganathan/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Clay Callaway shares his journey of bringing about digital transformation in Delta Dental of California. He talks about their challenges due to siloed data within the organization and how the approach pivoted towards enterprise-wide data management. They began resolving these issues by implementing data governance and building a solid data foundation. Clay emphasizes how combining this data with the right technologies has allowed Delta Dental to think about its business in new ways and improve customer service. Highlights: 01:26 Start of the Digital Transformation Journey 01:44 The Problem of Data Silos 03:15 Shift to an Enterprise Approach to Data 03:46 Role of Data Governance and Strategy 04:57 Importance of Understanding Business Use Cases 06:01 Evolution of Data Strategy and Roadmap 07:46 Impact of Data on Business Outcomes 10:44 Role of Technology in Data Transformation 14:13 Future of Data-Driven Decision Making 18:14 Impact of Data on Customer Experience Clay Callaway is the Director of Ops Data Insights and Analytics at Delta Dental of California. He works with business leaders to make data-driven Insights a critical step in decision making. Clay has been with Delta Dental for more than 15 years of his 25+ year career; previously, he was in DDC’s Technology Organization as the Director of Applications Development for Data and Analytics. In this role, he directed data strategy, data architecture, and data management to build and deliver technologies, tools, and solutions, including the implementation of a data governance office and a modern cloud data platform. He was previously an Architect and Manager, where he developed analytics, business intelligence solutions, and tools to help customers, providers, and employees navigate business challenges. https://www.linkedin.com/in/claycallaway/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

On this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Madeline Minshew, the Vice President of Culture at True Ventures. They discuss the importance of hiring your first head of people and what to look for when taking a job as the first people leader hire. True Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in extraordinary founders and their innovative ideas. They are sector-agnostic and focus on backing exceptional individuals in various markets. This episode explores the characteristics of successful founders and the significance of building a strong team. Highlights:  [00:02:26] Characteristics of extraordinary founders. [00:07:11] Letting go of control. [00:09:25] Preserving culture while scaling. [00:13:40] Building the right company. [00:18:58] Questions for job seekers. [00:24:14] HR's evolving role in organizations. [00:27:21] Asking questions and viewing problems. Guest: As True’s VP of Culture, Madeline guides True Founders as they evolve as leaders, grow their teams, and intentionally build organizational cultures. She believes authentic, honest relationships that value trust, diversity of perspectives, and open feedback are the quintessential cornerstone of healthy, high-performing teams. Above all, Madeline is a super-connector across the True Portfolio; she brings together founders, executives, and portfolio team members to create deeper synergy, build collective wisdom, and encourage a sense of belonging. Prior to joining True, Madeline was the VP of people and talent at Handshake, a True Portfolio company that’s since grown into the leading career development network for college students and recent graduates. Before Handshake, Madeline focused on hiring high-performing talent and building strong, inclusive cultures at Cadre, Tumblr, and Google. A San Francisco native, Madeline also speaks French and German fluently. Madeline graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University with a major in political science and a minor in French literature. ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Tariq Shaukat, co-CEO at Sonar, about the impact of software and AI on companies. They discuss how every company wants to be a software company and how AI is accelerating this trend. They delve into the challenges companies face in pivoting to deliver software and the importance of clean code. The conversation also touches on the role of the board in driving digital transformation. Tune in to gain insights into the evolving landscape of enterprise software and AI. Highlights: [00:00:04] Software is eating the world. [00:03:02] Companies becoming software-enabled. [00:05:36] Importance of software in industries. [00:09:11] Cultural and educational aspects. [00:11:58] Education and deployment of AI. [00:14:21] Trust but verify AI governance. [00:17:18] AI and cybersecurity governance. [00:21:39] AI impact on software development. [00:24:13] Software pricing models in AI. [00:28:06] Per seat pricing vs. value delivery. Guest: Tariq Shaukat is co-CEO of Sonar, the world's leading Clean Code solution, and is a member of Sonar's Board of Directors. Tariq has extensive experience in growing and scaling private and public companies across many domains, including cloud computing, social media, travel, and entertainment.Before joining Sonar, Tariq was the President of Bumble Inc., the parent company that operates the Bumble, Badoo, Fruitz and Official mobile apps. He joined Bumble as the company’s first ever President, and partnered with the Founder and CEO to successfully IPO and scale the company to over $900M in revenue in 2022. Prior to that, Tariq was President of Google Cloud. There, he played a key role in establishing its go-to-market operations as well as its industry and AI solutions, and scaling the company to over $12B in revenue. He has also held senior roles at Caesars Entertainment, McKinsey & Company, and Trilogy Software.Tariq serves on the Board of Trustees of Public Storage, a leading self-storage REIT, and on the Board of Directors of Gap Inc, the iconic fashion and apparel retailer. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Technology and Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Marissa Saunders, Senior Director of Data Science at Recursion. They discuss the importance of research and development (R&D) in data science and its various implications for different companies. They emphasize the need to balance accuracy and completion with understanding business value and return on investment (ROI). Marissa explains how Recursion is focused on revolutionizing drug discovery by industrializing the process and incorporating more hypotheses to accelerate results and reduce costs. The goal is to move from traditional biotech to tech bio. Highlights: [00:01:50] Failing fast in drug discovery. [00:03:14] Drug discovery and AI capabilities. [00:08:25] Cooperating to gather clean data. [00:10:02] Industrializing the drug discovery process. [00:13:52] Ideation and problem-solving process. [00:17:08] Refining pipeline for drug development. [00:21:07] R&D and team setup. ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Ivan Lee, the CEO of Datasaur.ai, joins Amir Bormand to discuss productizing LLMs and dealing with labeling issues. Ivan shares his insights on the productization of LLMs and provides his thoughts on the future of this technology. Tune in to learn more about the work of Datasaur.ai and the exciting developments in the AI industry. Highlights: [00:02:44] The importance of data labeling. [00:03:34] The challenge of harnessing AI. [00:06:04] Disconnect in AI capabilities. [00:09:04] The future of AI models. [00:14:41] Productization of LLMs. [00:15:36] LLMs in product innovation. [00:18:52] LLMs and evolving business models. [00:22:25] ROI in AI implementation. [00:27:10] Exploring the potential of AI. [00:29:13] NLP's transformative power. Ivan Lee graduated with a Computer Science B.S. from Stanford University and dropped out of his master’s degree to found his first company, Loki Studios. After raising institutional funding and building a profitable game, Yahoo acquired Loki. Lee spent the next 10 years building AI products at several companies and discovered a gap in serving the rapid evolution of Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies. He built Datasaur to focus on democratizing access to NLP - Datasaur now serves companies such as Google, Netflix, Qualtrics, Spotify, and more. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iylee/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Ross Fubini, the managing partner at XYZ Venture Capital, to discuss the growing AI opportunity and how to identify lasting trends in the field. They delve into the impact of AI on enterprise software models and its potential for cost savings. Ross shares insights on XYZ's investment focus on enterprise and fintech companies, including those in the public sector. With a portfolio of 107 businesses, XYZ aims to support and build these companies actively. Please tune in to gain valuable insights into the AI landscape and its potential for transformative growth. Highlights: [00:00:04] Growing AI opportunity. [00:02:43] AI and market shifts. [00:05:45] The Internet's transformative potential. [00:09:18] AI opportunity and emerging technologies. [00:10:20] AI-powered consulting and new enterprise systems. [00:15:38] Narrow AI application opportunities. [00:19:27] Pricing and market disruption. [00:23:12] AI growth in technology. [00:24:29] AI Opportunities and Adoption. [00:28:42] Leveraging AI for legacy brands. [00:30:04] Generative AI and business opportunities. [00:35:10] Looking back on emerging technologies. Guest: Ross Fubini is the founder and Managing Partner of XYZ Venture Capital. He’s made a career as a successful early-stage technology investor and is passionate about connecting people to build insightful products. Ross is from Virginia and is now based in San Francisco, where he married a local with whom he has two children and goes over the top on holidays. He is an avid triathlete, marathon runner, and previous Ironman competitor. Ross likes to go faster in all things - from races to building companies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fubini/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)